Syria's leader appeals to African summit for help

In this image taken from video obtained from the Shaam News Network, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, Syrian rebels battle with regime forces in Homs, Syria, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. Mortars rounds struck several areas of Damascus on Tuesday, killing several people, a government official said, while anti-regime activists said Syrian troops seized control of a neighborhood in the central city of Homs that is considered a symbol of opposition to President
— AP

In this image taken from video obtained from the Shaam News Network, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, Syrian rebels battle with regime forces in Homs, Syria, Tuesday, March 26, 2013. Mortars rounds struck several areas of Damascus on Tuesday, killing several people, a government official said, while anti-regime activists said Syrian troops seized control of a neighborhood in the central city of Homs that is considered a symbol of opposition to President
/ AP

DAMASCUS, Syria 
Syria's embattled and increasingly isolated president has appealed to the leaders of a five-nation economic forum meeting in South Africa to help end his country's two-year conflict.

President Bashar Assad says Syria is being subjected to "acts of terrorism backed by Arab, regional and Western nations" - a reference to the Western-backed opposition fighting his regime.

Assad's appeal came in a letter sent to the BRICS forum of emerging market powers. The World Bank says these countries - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - are driving global economic growth.

Assad's letter was published by Syria's state media on Wednesday.

Syria's crisis began in March 2011 with protests demanding Assad's ouster. Following a harsh government crackdown, the uprising steadily grew more violent until it became a full-fledged civil war.